Springfield Missouri, January 14, 2009
Ozarks Area Racers Reunion - Shrine Mosque
The time is near again for one of the Midwest's largest race car gathering's, It is the 22nd annual Ozarks Area Racers Reunion slated January 31, 2009 at the Shrine Mosque 601 east St. Louis Street in Springfield, Mo. This years event' plans to have much of the same history of the past displayed in the 1000's of racing photos, dating from the 30's to as recent as this past year. Also displayed will be the awsome arrangement of race cars from all across the Midwest. One vehicle expected to draw a crowd this year will be the highly detailed cut-away Craftsman Trucks of Mitler Brothers racing stables.
Other unique vehicles includes a new addition to the retro-race craze in the Springfield, Mo. area with a retro 1964 Chevelle owned by Kim Kaasa who owned one years ago just like it. From Kansas comes a 1934 Hudson raced currently today by Danny Haase. There will be over 20 racers to marvel and photograph. Vendor booths are always a part of the excitement with new racing schedules distributed by the area tracks and racing series. This is always a part of the fun that begins at 4:00 p.m. leading up to the nights induction ceremonies.
At the start of the ceremonies each Track Champion will be brought forward and awarded a special photograph to help them remember their past racing season. This Award was started a few years back by the late Jim Sawyer in recognition of the drivers outstanding years achievements. Many of these same drivers might also be reciepients for the Hall of Fame in years ahead. At the same time each current Track Owner will talk briefly about their upcoming season.
As in the past, there has also been open invitations made to NASCAR Celebrities, you never know who might walk thru the back door at the last minute. Last year as the awards was just beginning NASCAR racer Carl Edwards made a surprise visit to his racing friends in the Midwest. Staying for the entire ceremony and afterwards until all of his fans was greeted.
The addition of Celebrity's and Surprise guests always adds to the show atmosphere but the real reason for the presentation is for the 9 inductees for 2009 to the Ozarks Area Racers Hall of Fame.
In the Pioneer category Bolivar Hearld owner from days past, Jim Sterling who did everything from the writing to the printing and still found time to enjoy his favorite sport of Stock Car Racing at the Bolivar Speedway, which at the time was fairly new to the area owned by good friend Roddie Hughs leads the induction list.
Dob Babb from Bolivar also, was hooked on the power of the cars years ago and still loves the sport and it's excitement.. Babb C.E.O. of Citizens Memorial Hospital still manages to slip in a race or two each year between his busy schedule.
Bill Allen also from the Polk county area will be placed permanently on the Hall of Fame board for his efforts. He is known for the hard work he has given to the sport and his low profile approach at promoting. His personal lifestyle is valued by many and appreciated by all that have raced either against or for him.
Another Promoter and Pioneer inductee is Harry Lightfoot, he was responsible every week at the famed "Fairgrounds Speedway" for the level of racing competition and talent that was produced along the way. Lightfoot has been referred to as one of, if not "the" best promoter the Fairgrounds Speedway ever had.
The final Pioneer inductee is Larry Shaw of Batesville, Arkansas. you might remember him from Mark Martins early days, he has spent about as much time at the Fairgrounds helping launch Marks carreer than he did at his own home. Shaw was also on the ground floor of racing and on his rise to the top. He currently builds one of the best valued, most competitive Dirt Late Model chassis. with countless wins. His most productive pilot by the number of wins was Billy Moyer in his House Chassis.
Legends Inductees will bring 4 of the best to the podium, starting with J.C, Newell, he has one of the largest fan clubs along with his son Ben in the area, as they will both race you as clean as you want all night long on any track. His style and superior class puts him a winner in the Legends category and is long overdue.
Eddie Williamson was a early days racer with modern driving skills, His Career gave him many wins and much admiration also. His cars always was found at the front and his memories will always be at the top.
Terry Brumley still amazes many with his racing capabilities, in the early years it was old motorcycles and fast stock cars now the stock car daysmight be over, but he still managessnagging a trophey or two occasionally on the 2 wheeler.
The final inductee for the Legend category is Bunky Long. Long has made more trips up and down the 2 lanes to little area arenas than many of us put together. His efforts may usually net just enough to go again next week but he would be off again. From old business coupes to just whatever had a steering wheel Long could make it fit his hands. His racing life was shared by many from the stands to the pits as he was cheered weekly. Winning would come natural.
Adult Ticket Prices are $15.00 in Advance and $20.00 at the door. Child Tickets 12 and Under are $8.00
For more info call Mark Perry at 417-886-3358 or Kevin Fletcher at 417-234-3273 emails can be directed to midwestracing@sbcglobal.net
Tickets can be purchased at the Shrine Mosque' Ticket Offices, Greene County Damaged Freight and Food Sales, Ron's Racing Collectables and ALL Area O'Reilly Auto Parts
Thanks to all of our sponsors, Corporate leaders for 2009 include
Lucas Oil Speedway, Don's Auto Air, Ron's Racing Collectables, O'Reilly Auto Parts and our newest addition Transport Graphics
internet information can be obtained at www.ozarksarearacers.org
Kevin Fletcher
Track Announcer / Sales
Office 417-282-5984 - Fax 417-282-6119
Cell 417-234-3273
700 West Highway 54 - Wheatland, Mo. 65779
www.lucasoilspeedway.com
Ozarks Area Racers Reunion - Shrine Mosque
The time is near again for one of the Midwest's largest race car gathering's, It is the 22nd annual Ozarks Area Racers Reunion slated January 31, 2009 at the Shrine Mosque 601 east St. Louis Street in Springfield, Mo. This years event' plans to have much of the same history of the past displayed in the 1000's of racing photos, dating from the 30's to as recent as this past year. Also displayed will be the awsome arrangement of race cars from all across the Midwest. One vehicle expected to draw a crowd this year will be the highly detailed cut-away Craftsman Trucks of Mitler Brothers racing stables.
Other unique vehicles includes a new addition to the retro-race craze in the Springfield, Mo. area with a retro 1964 Chevelle owned by Kim Kaasa who owned one years ago just like it. From Kansas comes a 1934 Hudson raced currently today by Danny Haase. There will be over 20 racers to marvel and photograph. Vendor booths are always a part of the excitement with new racing schedules distributed by the area tracks and racing series. This is always a part of the fun that begins at 4:00 p.m. leading up to the nights induction ceremonies.
At the start of the ceremonies each Track Champion will be brought forward and awarded a special photograph to help them remember their past racing season. This Award was started a few years back by the late Jim Sawyer in recognition of the drivers outstanding years achievements. Many of these same drivers might also be reciepients for the Hall of Fame in years ahead. At the same time each current Track Owner will talk briefly about their upcoming season.
As in the past, there has also been open invitations made to NASCAR Celebrities, you never know who might walk thru the back door at the last minute. Last year as the awards was just beginning NASCAR racer Carl Edwards made a surprise visit to his racing friends in the Midwest. Staying for the entire ceremony and afterwards until all of his fans was greeted.
The addition of Celebrity's and Surprise guests always adds to the show atmosphere but the real reason for the presentation is for the 9 inductees for 2009 to the Ozarks Area Racers Hall of Fame.
In the Pioneer category Bolivar Hearld owner from days past, Jim Sterling who did everything from the writing to the printing and still found time to enjoy his favorite sport of Stock Car Racing at the Bolivar Speedway, which at the time was fairly new to the area owned by good friend Roddie Hughs leads the induction list.
Dob Babb from Bolivar also, was hooked on the power of the cars years ago and still loves the sport and it's excitement.. Babb C.E.O. of Citizens Memorial Hospital still manages to slip in a race or two each year between his busy schedule.
Bill Allen also from the Polk county area will be placed permanently on the Hall of Fame board for his efforts. He is known for the hard work he has given to the sport and his low profile approach at promoting. His personal lifestyle is valued by many and appreciated by all that have raced either against or for him.
Another Promoter and Pioneer inductee is Harry Lightfoot, he was responsible every week at the famed "Fairgrounds Speedway" for the level of racing competition and talent that was produced along the way. Lightfoot has been referred to as one of, if not "the" best promoter the Fairgrounds Speedway ever had.
The final Pioneer inductee is Larry Shaw of Batesville, Arkansas. you might remember him from Mark Martins early days, he has spent about as much time at the Fairgrounds helping launch Marks carreer than he did at his own home. Shaw was also on the ground floor of racing and on his rise to the top. He currently builds one of the best valued, most competitive Dirt Late Model chassis. with countless wins. His most productive pilot by the number of wins was Billy Moyer in his House Chassis.
Legends Inductees will bring 4 of the best to the podium, starting with J.C, Newell, he has one of the largest fan clubs along with his son Ben in the area, as they will both race you as clean as you want all night long on any track. His style and superior class puts him a winner in the Legends category and is long overdue.
Eddie Williamson was a early days racer with modern driving skills, His Career gave him many wins and much admiration also. His cars always was found at the front and his memories will always be at the top.
Terry Brumley still amazes many with his racing capabilities, in the early years it was old motorcycles and fast stock cars now the stock car daysmight be over, but he still managessnagging a trophey or two occasionally on the 2 wheeler.
The final inductee for the Legend category is Bunky Long. Long has made more trips up and down the 2 lanes to little area arenas than many of us put together. His efforts may usually net just enough to go again next week but he would be off again. From old business coupes to just whatever had a steering wheel Long could make it fit his hands. His racing life was shared by many from the stands to the pits as he was cheered weekly. Winning would come natural.
Adult Ticket Prices are $15.00 in Advance and $20.00 at the door. Child Tickets 12 and Under are $8.00
For more info call Mark Perry at 417-886-3358 or Kevin Fletcher at 417-234-3273 emails can be directed to midwestracing@sbcglobal.net
Tickets can be purchased at the Shrine Mosque' Ticket Offices, Greene County Damaged Freight and Food Sales, Ron's Racing Collectables and ALL Area O'Reilly Auto Parts
Thanks to all of our sponsors, Corporate leaders for 2009 include
Lucas Oil Speedway, Don's Auto Air, Ron's Racing Collectables, O'Reilly Auto Parts and our newest addition Transport Graphics
internet information can be obtained at www.ozarksarearacers.org
Kevin Fletcher
Track Announcer / Sales
Office 417-282-5984 - Fax 417-282-6119
Cell 417-234-3273
700 West Highway 54 - Wheatland, Mo. 65779
www.lucasoilspeedway.com
